The state of one’s teeth and gums may impact overall health of the body

People should keep their dentists informed of existing medical conditions because many non-dental ailments have been linked to dental health. By including the family dentist in a person’s medical team, the best treatments can be determined that best safeguard someone’s well-being.

For instance, WebMD advises people who have had a heart attack to wait six months before any dentistry is performed on them. Dental practitioners should also be told if patients are taking anticoagulants, which are blood-thinning drugs, because excess bleeding could occur during some procedures. Patients should also check to see if oxygen and nitroglycerin is available at the dentist office in case of an emergency.

For those with high blood pressure, it’s important to ask if the anesthetics used by the dentist contain epinephrine, because that substance could trigger angina, heighten blood pressure levels and affect other heart-related conditions.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), bacteria that enters the mouth through tooth decay or gum disease can spread throughout the body. In addition to a well-known link to diabetes, dental problems may be an indication of nutritional deficiencies, blood disorders, impaired immunity and bacterial pneumonia.

Periodontitis, the most severe level of gum disease, also increases the risk of a pregnant woman delivering a baby prematurely or a full-term baby that has a low birth weight.

In general, the state of one’s teeth and gums should be considered in tandem with the overall health of the body to ensure that symptoms beyond a simple toothache and the potential of underlying medical concerns aren’t overlooked.

Gums and diabetes
To block dental disease from causing bad health in other parts of the body, ADA states that prevention is key. Good hygiene that includes a minimum of brushing teeth twice and flossing once daily, as well as regular check-ups with a local dentist, is important to maintain good dental health and identify problems in the early stages.

For people who are at the greatest risk of gum disease – at age 40 or older – regular dental exams are especially important for those with diabetes. When gingivitis, the most common form of gum disease, evolves into the more serious periodontitis, there is an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and exacerbating an existing case.

While this form of diabetes can be regulated with a healthy diet and medication, people with advanced gum disease have to monitor their sugar intake to make sure it doesn’t create unhealthy glucose levels.

In addition, high sugar levels compromise one’s immune system and the ability to fight infections, including oral disease. Conditions that include tooth sensitivity and decay, dry mouth and delayed healing of mouth sores may result.

Another health concern related to dental care is respiratory illness. When high levels of bacteria are allowed to fester in the mouth, they can travel down the throat and into the lungs and create conditions that make breathing difficult. In the worst case scenario, illnesses such as pneumonia may result.

Heart risks
The most hotly debated link between dental problems and overall health remains the one regarding cardiovascular conditions such as clogged arteries, which some researchers believe may worsen from chronic inflammation that begins in the mouth.

In 2012, the American Heart Association (AHA) announced that studies correlating swelled, diseased gums and clogged arteries are inconclusive, as is the link between dental health and heart disease.

However, the AHA also stated that periodontal and heart diseases have similar risk factors such as smoking, age and diabetes. The association continues to advise people to take care of their dental health as part of a heart-healthy regimen, pointing out that regular dental care reduces the risk of infections that may affect the heart.

The best dentist office I ever been to, and ur in and out in 30 mins or less

Lasha A.

Staff friendly, competent. Very small wait time.

Jane C.

Fast, patient, and very skilled.

Autumn

My experience with Gentle Dental has always been 1st rate from all the employees I have dealt with which includes Katryna, Dr In, and the office mgr Hollie Cooper. I would recommend their office to […]

Donald M.

Always a Great Experience at Gentle Dental Thorndale. Very professional!

Michael A.

I love Dr In . He has been taking care of my family dental needs for over 10 years

Jessica C.

Level of care provided is excellent.

Sarah O.

The dentist fixed my tooth quickly & efficiently.

Dawn M.

Been with this Dentist for as long as they been in practice. They are in the process of giving me my smile back, providing me with full upper and lower dentures. I would recommend them to ANYONE. […]

Vietta R.

Everyone from the receptionist Lindsay to Dr.In everyone is so fantastic and friendly.

Kasie R.

Everyone is always so nice and I was nervous but it was great, dentist is always great.

Diana M.

The office is very clean and organized. Also the staff are friendly.

Mhia G.

Very pleasant and helpful staff from the first phone call to making my next appointment.

Christina J.

I gave this score because I came in for an extraction, was scared to death, and I was made to feel very relaxed by both the Dr and his assistant. Thank you too much, I’m healing well and will be in […]

Linda R.

I always have a pleasant experience and never have a problem getting an appointment

Shannan G.

Every one I talked to from the time I scheduled to when I was done my appointment was extreamly nice .

Katherine M.

I am so happy with the work they did to give me my smile back. Dr. In, Hollie, Ruth and all of the staff are very helpful and wonderful to deal with. I would definitely recommend the Thorndale office […]

Lora G.

Everyone was very welcoming and kind . And on time.

Katherine M.

Lindsay at the front desk was so nice and welcoming. Nicole, hygienist made me comfortable and had a great attitude and was so friendly! Thank you!

Charlotte A.

I feel very comfortable. The timed appointments are well scheduled and i also was seen without an appointment while my child was being seen. Thank you. I am very grateful for all the services.

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